Algeria
Key Players
Squad
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
About
Algeria return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 after missing the 2018 and 2022 editions, marking their fifth appearance on football's biggest stage. Coached by the experienced Swiss-Bosnian tactician Vladimir Petkovic, who previously led Switzerland to the quarterfinals of Euro 2020, Les Fennecs bring a fascinating blend of seasoned veterans and explosive young talent to the tournament. The squad is headlined by Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City winger now plying his trade at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, whose creativity and big-game experience will be vital. Alongside him, Ramy Bensebaini provides defensive solidity from Borussia Dortmund, while Aissa Mandi adds veteran leadership from Lille. The new generation is equally impressive: Ibrahim Maza has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's brightest young talents at Bayer Leverkusen, and Rayan Ait Nouri brings Premier League pedigree from Manchester City. Amine Gouiri, leading the attack from Marseille, and the lightning-fast Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord add firepower up front. Drawn into Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan, Algeria face a formidable challenge. The marquee fixture against Argentina promises to be one of the group stage's most electric encounters, with Algeria's massive French-based diaspora expected to create an extraordinary atmosphere. Algeria's best World Cup showing came in 2014 in Brazil, where they reached the Round of 16 before narrowly losing to Germany in extra time. Petkovic's pragmatic approach and the squad's European experience suggest they are well-equipped to replicate or surpass that achievement. Realistic expectations place Algeria as contenders for the Round of 32, with an outside chance of advancing further if results go their way.
Group Stage Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of Algeria at World Cup 2026?
Vladimir Petkovic is the head coach of Algeria at the 2026 World Cup. The experienced Swiss-Bosnian manager previously led Switzerland to the quarterfinals of Euro 2020 and brings a pragmatic, organized approach to the Algerian national team.
What group is Algeria in at World Cup 2026?
Algeria are in Group J at the 2026 World Cup, alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. The match against Argentina is the marquee fixture of the group.
When does Algeria play at World Cup 2026?
Algeria play their Group J matches in mid-June 2026. Their group stage opponents are Argentina, Austria, and Jordan, with matches played at venues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Has Algeria ever qualified for the World Cup before?
Yes, the 2026 World Cup is Algeria's fifth appearance at the tournament. They previously participated in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. Their best result was reaching the Round of 16 in 2014 in Brazil, where they narrowly lost to Germany in extra time.
Is Riyad Mahrez in Algeria's World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes, Riyad Mahrez is included in Algeria's squad for the 2026 World Cup. The former Manchester City and Leicester City star, now playing for Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, remains a key player for Les Fennecs and brings invaluable big-game experience.